Method for configuring a wearable user equipment, wearable user equipment as well as work system

ABSTRACT

A method for configuring a wearable user equipment for executing sub-processes is shown, wherein the user equipment has a communication link with a device server, and the different sub-processes and the configuration sets for the user equipment associated with the sub-processes are stored on the device server. The method includes a selection of one of the sub-processes stored on the device server that is to be executed by the user equipment, and an automatic application of the configuration of the configuration set associated with the selected sub-process on the wearable user equipment, wherein changes by the user at least to parts of the configuration of the user equipment applied by the configuration set are blocked. Furthermore, a wearable user equipment as well as a work system are shown.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a method for configuring a wearable userequipment for executing sub-processes, a wearable user equipment as wellas a work system.

BACKGROUND

Work systems by means of which complex processes are executed are known.Here, sub-processes or several process steps are usually executed bymachines and other process steps by workers or users.

The machines may be industrial robots or devices that are wearable bythe user, such as barcode readers.

The users may be instructed by wearable, personalised devices,hereinafter termed user equipment, so that they execute the requiredstep correctly at that time in the complex process. For example, suchuser equipment includes a barcode scanner and a display screen.

Examples of such work systems are assembly lines of complex products,such as cars, or large distribution warehouses.

The processes or sub-processes executed with the work system are usuallyplanned meticulously to be as efficient as possible and to ensure thegreatest possible process reliability as well as safety of the user W.

To this end, different sub-processes are defined which are executed bydifferent users. The sub-processes call for different performancerequirements for the user equipment. It is therefore necessary that theuser equipment is always configured correctly for each sub-process to beexecuted.

To this end, various sub-processes in an operation can be executed inprinciple by the same user equipment. Therefore, the user equipment isfrequently reconfigured for individual sub-processes as required by theworker in order to be adapted to the individual sub-processes.

This can result in misconfigurations or the user can change the settingson the device intentionally or unintentionally. As a result, deviationsfrom the intended sub-process occur which reduce the quality of theprocess and, for example, the quality of the product produced.

SUMMARY

There is provided a method as well as a user equipment, by means ofwhich deviations from intended sub-processes are avoided reliably.

The object is solved by a method for configuring a wearable userequipment for executing sub-processes, wherein the user equipment has acommunication link with a device server, and various sub-processes andconfiguration sets for the user equipment associated with thesub-processes are stored on the device server. The method comprises thefollowing steps:

-   -   selection of one of the sub-processes stored on the device        server that is to be executed by the user equipment, and    -   automatic application of the configuration of the configuration        set associated with the selected sub-process on the wearable        user equipment.

To this end, changes by the user at least to parts of the configurationof the user equipment applied by the configuration set are blocked.

It is also conceivable that further users have access to the deviceserver in addition to the administrator of the device server, whereinonly users with corresponding rights (and the administrator) can makechanges to the configurations or the configuration sets. The remainingusers are also blocked from making changes.

In particular, it is not possible for the users of the user equipment tochange the configurations of the sub-processes.

As the correct configuration is applied automatically after selectingthe sub-process and is blocked from being changed further, it is alwaysensured that the user equipment is configured correctly and there arethus no deviations from the intended process. In this way, the processreliability is improved and thus the quality of the process.

The configuration is used in particular immediately after being applied.

For example, a configuration set is provided for each sub-process andfor each user equipment and/or each device of the user equipment.

Within the scope of this disclosure, a sub-process is understood to meanin particular a predetermined sequence of process steps. Forsimplification, within the scope of this disclosure, a sub-process isreferred to even if no further sub-processes exist, thus the sub-processconstitutes the entire process.

For example, the user equipment in conjunction with a process controlexecutes the sub-process, in particular in such a way that the userexecutes the predetermined process steps using the user equipment andthe results are transmitted to the process control.

In an embodiment, the parts of the configuration are determined in theconfiguration set, whose change by the user are blocked, and/or theentire configuration of the user equipment applied by the configurationset is blocked for changes by the user. It is thus ensured that the usercannot change critical settings of the user equipment.

To improve the ergonomics, the user equipment can comprise a garment, inparticular a glove, and a sensor and/or information device that isattached to the garment, wherein the sensor and/or information deviceuses the configuration.

For example, the garment and/or the sensor and/or information devicecomprise at least one input means, in particular a trigger, wherein atleast one function of the sensor and/or information device, inparticular the sensor, is triggered by actuating the input means whenthe sensor and/or information device is received in the garment, therebyenabling the sensor and/or information device to be used particularlyefficiently.

In an embodiment, the user equipment comprises a main device and asecondary device, wherein the secondary device is a sensor and/orinformation device and the main device maintains the communication linkto the device server, wherein the secondary device and/or the maindevice use the configuration. In this way, the functionality of the userequipment can be extended without increasing the dimensions of thesecondary device.

To provide a versatile main device, the main device can be a wearablesmart device, in particularly a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a smartwatch or smart glasses.

Irrespective of whether the user equipment comprises a main device and asecondary device, the connection device can be a wearable smart device,in particular a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a smart watch or smartglasses.

In an embodiment, the sub-process to be executed by the user equipmentis selected by:

-   -   input or selection of the sub-process by the user on the user        equipment, in particular on the sensor and/or information        device, main device and/or secondary device; and/or    -   input or selection of the sub-process by an administrator on the        device server.

In this way, the user equipment can be adapted to the respective task tobe executed by the user personally.

To select the sub-process extremely simply, the user equipment, inparticular the sensor and/or information device or the secondary device,can comprise a sensor, in particular a barcode reader, and wherein thesub-process to be executed by the user equipment is selected by readinginformation, in particular a barcode, by means of the sensor and bydetermining the sub-process to be selected using the information read.

The information read can identify the sub-process and/or the sub-processcan be assigned certain information, e.g., the information is anidentifier of a workstation and each sub-process is assigned to one ofthe workstations.

Alternatively, or additionally, the current location of the userequipment is determined and the sub-process to be executed by the userequipment is selected based on the current location so that no userinput is necessary.

For example, the user equipment, in particular the main device,determines the current location and/or wherein the device serverdetermines the current location of the user equipment, in particularwherein the user equipment receives the configuration set associatedwith the selected sub-process from the device server.

In an embodiment, the user equipment, in particular the main device,determines the sub-process to be executed by the user equipment by meansof the current location, in particular wherein the user equipmentretrieves the configuration set associated with the selectedsub-process. As a result, the location can be determined simply usingcomponents of the user equipment.

The configuration set can be retrieved from a storage device of the userequipment or from the device server.

In an embodiment, the sub-process selected based on the current locationis executed at least in part in a region comprising sensitiveinfrastructure, wherein the user equipment is set by applying theconfiguration of the configuration set associated with this sub-processin such a way so that during use the user equipment avoids disturbingthe sensitive infrastructure, thereby increasing the potentialapplication areas of the user equipment.

In one aspect, the current time and/or the user of the user equipment isdetermined and the sub-process to be executed by the user equipment isselected based on the current time and/or the user so that thesub-process can be selected very specifically without an increase ineffort.

The user can be determined, for example, based on a user identification.The user identification can be linked to a specific user equipment orindividual devices thereof. It is also conceivable that the user mustidentify themselves on the user equipment before using the userequipment, thereby determining the user identification.

To enable a particularly good adaptation of the user equipment to therequirements of the sub-process, the configuration can determine atleast one characteristic of the user equipment, in particular

-   -   the permitted and/or prohibited radio frequency bands and/or        protocols for communication with the device server, with other        user equipment and/or of parts of the user equipment with each        other;    -   the process steps for the sub-process, their sequences, the        expected results of the process steps, instructions to be        outputted to the user on the process steps, the data format in        which the sensor data is obtained and/or transmitted to the        process control, and/or at least one processing step that        indicates how the obtained sensor data is to be processed and/or        manipulated before transmission to the process control; and/or    -   the functions of the user equipment that are required for the        corresponding process step and/or sub-process, in particular        wherein only the necessary functions are selectable by the user.

Parts of the user equipment is understood to mean, in particular, themain device and the secondary device which have a communication linkwith each other wirelessly.

In an embodiment, at least one application is executed on the maindevice, wherein that said at least one application is determined whichis currently being operated on the main device, in particular whichscreen of the application is currently being operated. The sub-processto be executed by the user equipment, in particular the secondarydevice, is selected based on the application currently being operated,in particular the screen being currently operated, in particular whereinthe user equipment retrieves the configuration set associated with theselected sub-process. In this way, switching between applications isgreatly simplified and/or non-linear user guidance is facilitated withinthe applications with process reliability.

A screen is not understood to mean the physical display device (“screendisplay”), but rather the view on such a screen display, also termed“screen”, “screen view” or “input mask”.

An application or a screen can be regarded as “being currently operated”if it is being currently executed in the foreground, if it has beenexecuted or shown most recently and/or if it receives data captured bythe secondary device.

To enable simple changes to sub-processes or the adaptation ofconfigurations if one of the sub-processes and/or one of theconfiguration sets are changed on the device server by an administratorof the device server, the following steps are executed:

-   -   the user equipment that is to execute the changed sub-process        and/or sub-process whose configuration set has been changed,        receives the updated configuration set of the changed        sub-process and/or the changed, updated configuration set, and    -   the configuration of the updated configuration set is applied        automatically by the user equipment.

In an embodiment, when the communication link with the device serverexists, the user equipment checks according to a predefined system, atregular intervals, when establishing the communication link and/or inpredefined events, whether an updated configuration set is available forthe currently executed sub-process and/or whether the user equipment isto now execute another sub-process and, if applicable, receives from thedevice server an updated configuration set for the currently executedsub-process and/or the configuration set for the sub-process to beexecuted now by the user equipment. It is thus ensured that the userequipment is always up to date.

A predefined event is, for example, the connection of the user system orparts thereof to a power supply.

In particular, the user equipment receives at the same time theinstruction to apply the configuration of the received configurationset.

Moreover, the object is solved by means of a wearable user equipmentthat is configured to execute a method as described previously.

The features and advantages mentioned for the method equally apply tothe user equipment and vice versa. Here, the components of the userdevice are configured to also execute method steps to be executed bythem in the method.

The object is also solved by a work system comprising a wearable userequipment, in particular as previously described, and a device server,wherein the work system is configured to execute a method as previouslydescribed.

The features and advantages mentioned for the method and/or for the userequipment equally apply to the work system and vice versa. Moreover, thecomponents of the work system are configured to also execute methodsteps to be executed by them in the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure are found in thefollowing description as well as the attached drawings to whichreference is made. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows schematically a building comprising a work system accordingto the disclosure,

FIG. 2 shows a user of the work system with a user equipment of the worksystem according to the disclosure according to FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a user equipment according to FIG. 2 ,

FIG. 4 : shows a schematic diagram for clarifying the division ofsub-processes, and

FIG. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Lists having a plurality of alternatives connected by “and/or”, forexample “A, B and/or C” are to be understood to disclose an arbitrarycombination of the alternatives, i.e., the lists are to be read as “Aand/or B and/or C” or as “at least one of A, B or C”. The same holdstrue for listings with more than three items.

In FIG. 1 , a building 10 as well as a work system 12 are shownextremely schematically in an aerial perspective.

The building 10 is a part of an operation that produces a product. Forexample, the product is a vehicle or parts for this.

To produce the product, a predefined process is to be executedcomprising various process steps which are be executed by users W.

Instead of the user, it is conceivable that autonomous robots or dronesare used as the user W.

The entire process can be subdivided into various sub-processes toreduce the complexity of the sub-processes and increase productivity.

The entire process or also only a sub-process can be executed in thebuilding 10, for example if several, spatially separated productionsites are available.

The sub-process itself can in turn be subdivided into smallersub-processes. This division can be executed multiple times, e.g. inhighly complex products such as a vehicle, so that the entire process issubdivided into several hierarchical levels of sub-processes andsub-processes of the sub-processes etc. However, within the scope ofthis disclosure, only “sub-process” is referred to for simplification,whereby any sub-process in any hierarchical level can be meant.

Each sub-process comprises various process steps which are executed byusers W at the various workstations 14.

To this end, different workstations 14 of the work system 12 are locatedin the building 10, at said workstations one or more of the processsteps are executed. Thus, in each case, a specific sub-process isexecuted at the different workstations 14.

The workstations 14 are shown, for example, statically. Of course, theworkstations 14 can also be sections of an assembly line production.

In the shown embodiment, two production lines each comprising threeworkstations 14 are provided. The workstations 14 of a production lineare adjacent each other; in FIG. 1 they are perpendicular to each other.

The production lines are thus arranged parallel to each other.

In addition, the work system 12 comprises at least one base station 16for a wireless communication, a device server 18, a process control 20,a plurality of user equipment 22 and several wireless connection devices26.

The base stations 16 are arranged in such a way that their range coversat least parts of the process region (also termed shopfloor). In theexample, the process region is the interior of the building 10 and thebase stations 16 are provided in the building 10.

The base station 16 is a stationary device, such as an access point.

The base stations 16 are connected to the device server 18 and theprocess control 20, for example via LAN or the Internet. The deviceserver 18 and the process control 20 are thus accessible wirelessly bythe user equipment 22 in the process region.

The process control 20 and/or the device server 18 are operated on oneor more central computers and/or servers.

The process system 20 is, for example, an inventory management system,an enterprise resource planning system (ERP system) or suchlike and isused for monitoring, for quality management and for controlling theprocesses of the work system 12, e.g., the processes for producing theproduct.

The device server 18 is used for the administration of the userequipment 22 or the devices of the user equipment 22, in particular forthe configuration, monitoring, maintenance and/or administration of theuser equipment 22 or the devices of the user equipment 22.

It is also conceivable that the device server 18 is integrated into theprocess control 20.

Each of the user equipment 22 comprises at least one sensor device 24and/or at least one output means 30.

The sensor devices 24 are worn by the workers W. For example, each userW wears at least one or more sensor devices 24, as shown in FIG. 2 .

The sensor devices 24 comprise a sensor 28 as well as optionally anoutput means 30 and an actuating element 32.

The sensor devices 24 are, for example, headsets with a microphone assensor 28 and headphones as output means 30. In addition, the headsetcan comprise a pushbutton as an actuating element 32.

For example, a sensor device 24 can also be a camera, for example ahelmet camera or a camera attached to a garment. The camera acts as asensor 28 and optional display screens, LEDs, loudspeakers orpushbuttons of the camera as output means 30 and actuating elements 32.

A barcode reading device can also be a sensor device 24, wherein thebarcode reader of the barcode reading device is the sensor 28 andoptional display screens, LEDs, loudspeakers or pushbuttons of thecamera act as output means 30 or actuating elements 32.

Within the scope of this disclosure here, a barcode is understood tomean any code, such as barcodes, matrix codes, QR codes and suchlike.

Wearable sensor and/or information devices 25 may also be used as sensordevices 24 of the user equipment 22, such as are known as the secondarydevice from DE 10 2019 118 969 A1 or DE 10 2020 106 369 A1.

The sensor and/or information device 25 has the sensor 28, an optionaldisplay screen as output means 30, a control unit 34 comprising acommunication module 36, and a power storage medium, such as anaccumulator.

In addition, the sensor and/or information device 25 has the actuatingelement 32, for example, in the form of a pushbutton or owing to thefact that the display screen is configured to be touch sensitive.

The sensor and/or information device 25 is, in particular, a devicewhose function is limited to specialized applications. To this end, itcan be an embedded system and/or have a compact form.

For example, the sensor and/or information device 25 is not amulti-functional device, therefore not a smart device, such as asmartphone, a tablet, a smart watch or smart glasses.

However, it should be noted that these embodiments are purely exemplaryfor illustration purposes. Alternatively, the sensor and/or informationdevice 25 can be designed without a display screen or without the sensor28. In these cases, the sensor and/or information device 25 is merely asensor device or an information device.

It is also conceivable that the sensor device 24 is a smart device, suchas a smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch or smart glasses. The sensor 28is, for example, an optical sensor, such as a barcode reader or acamera. It is also conceivable that the sensor and/or information device25 as the sensor 28 comprises other sensors, such as an RFID reader,touch sensors or acceleration sensors, in addition to or instead of theoptical sensor.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the user equipment 22 and thus the worksystem 12 comprises in addition a garment 38, in particular a glove, bymeans of which the sensor and/or information device 25 can be fastenedto the body of the user W. The sensor and/or information device 25 orthe user equipment 22 is thus what is termed a “wearable”.

To this end, the garment 38 has a holder 40 into which the sensor and/orinformation device 25 can be attached and removed without tools in arepeatable manner.

The garment 38 can also have an input means 42, for example a triggerfor the sensor and/or information device 25. The trigger or the inputmeans 42 can be provided on a finger of the glove. It is alsoconceivable that said at least one input means 42 or one or more furtherinput means 42 are provided on the holder 40.

By means of at least one cable 44 and at least one contact 46 in theholder 40, the input means 42 is connected to the sensor and/orinformation device 25 as soon as the sensor and/or information device 25is inserted into the holder 40.

The input means 42 on the garment 38 can thus also be regarded as anactuating element 32 of the sensor and/or information device 25.

The connection devices 26 are devices that typically have largercomputing power as the sensor devices 24, in particular the sensorand/or information devices 25. For example, the connection devices 26are designed as smart devices, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch or smart glasses, or a wristband equipped with correspondingprocessors and communication modules.

In this case, the connection devices 26 are also mobile and are worn bythe user W. They are then part of the user equipment 22.

The combination of the sensor and/or information device 25 and theconnection device 26 corresponds to the example of the sensor andinformation system comprising a secondary device (sensor and/orinformation device 25) and main device (connection device 26) of DE 102019 118 969 A1 or DE 10 2020 106 369 A1.

It is however conceivable that the connection device 26 is integratedinto the sensor device 24 or the sensor and/or information device 25.

On the one hand, the connection devices 26 maintain a communication linkto the process control 20 and, on the other hand, a communication linkto the sensor devices 24 or the sensor and/or information devices 25assigned to them.

The communication link between the connection device 26 and the processcontrol 20 occurs in each case via one of the base stations 16 and isthus from the connection device 26 wireless.

The communication link between the connection device 26 and the sensordevices 24 or the sensor and/or information devices 25 assigned to themalso occurs wirelessly, for example using another protocol. A wiredcommunication link is however also conceivable here.

To produce the product, the users W work at the various workstations 14with the help of the user equipment 22 that has been assigned to themand is worn on their bodies.

While the user W at one of the workstations 14 executes the processsteps associated with the sub-process of this workstation 14, the user Wuses the sensors 28 of the sensor devices 24 or the sensors 28 areactivated automatically.

For example, before installing a component on the product, the worker Wmust capture a barcode of the product by means of the sensor 28 of thesensor and/or information device 25. To read the barcode, the worker Wtriggers, for example, the sensor 28 by actuating the input means 42 onthe garment 38.

As a result, sensor data is generated, in the described example thevalue of the barcode, an image of the barcode or the entire imagerecorded by the barcode reader.

Further examples for sensor data are accelerations, specificacceleration patterns, for example, steps, movement sequences, such asturning movements of the hand for tightening bolts, or gestures, scannedRFID tags and/or temperature measurements.

The sensor data 24 generated by the sensor device 24 is then transmittedto the connection device 26. The connection device 26 transmits thesensor data then on to the process control 20. This can take place bymeans of a device-internal transmission provided that parts of theprocess control 20 are configured on the connection device 26.

The process control 20 can then instruct or control the sensor device 24or the sensor and/or information device 25 at least in part to execute asub-process or process steps, in particular, this is the sub-process orthese are the process steps assigned to the corresponding workstation 14or even the exact sensor device 24 or the sensor and/or informationdevice 25. To this end, the sub-processes or process steps assigned tothe different sensor devices 24 of a user W may differ.

For example, the process control 20 now checks the obtained sensor data,thus in this case the barcode, with the intended process steps that areexecuted in the building 10 or at the special workstation 14.

In the process control 20, the sub-processes and process steps arestored so that the process control 20 already expects certain sensordata from the sensor device 24 or the sensor and/or information device25. The process control 20 can now compare the obtained sensor data withthe expected sensor data and provide feedback to the user W as a resultof the comparison.

Moreover, the process control 20 transmits a control instruction to thesame or another sensor device 24 or the same or another sensor and/orinformation device 25 in order to instruct the user W.

For example, the user W can be informed about whether the user W wantsto mount the correct component or has read the correct barcode. The userW can also be transmitted further information by means of the outputmeans 30. To this end, the control instruction comprises, for example,information, in particular text, which is to be shown on the displayscreen of the sensor and/or information device 25.

The control instruction is transmitted by the process control 20 to thecorresponding sensor device 24 or the corresponding sensor and/orinformation device 25 by means of the connection device 26.

The corresponding sensor device 24 or the corresponding sensor and/orinformation device 25 receives the control instruction and executes theinstructions received in the control instruction.

The user W can then proceed to the next process step or, if otherinstructions are communicated, execute these.

To this end, the connection device 26 can assume all or parts of theseactivities of the process control 20 for the purpose of informing andguiding the user. For example, this is disclosed in DE 10 2019 118 969A1 or DE 10 2020 106 369 A1 in which the monitoring of the correctexecution of action sequences—termed sub-processes here—is described indetail. This monitoring can also be executed by the process control 20.

To this end, the individual sub-processes are stored in the processcontrol 20 and/or on the device server 18.

The described example of a building for producing products is to beunderstood as being merely exemplary. Applications of the methodaccording to the disclosure are also conceivable in other processes.Further examples are warehousing and logistics processes, in whichsub-processes are executed such as unpacking goods, filling thewarehouse, the targeted procurement of goods from the warehouse (what istermed “picking”) and/or the packaging of these goods for dispatch. Evenin these sub-processes, the users W can use their own user equipment 22that needs to be configured for the respective sub-process.

In this case, the workstations 14 are, for example, goods shelves orpacking stations.

FIG. 3 illustrates in a very simplified manner the division of a processP into various sub-processes T1 to T7 that among each other are parts ofeach other.

In the shown example, the sub-processes T1 and T5 result in the processP. The sub-process T1 is comprised in turn of the sub-processes T2, T3and T4 and the sub-process T5 is comprised of the sub-processes T6 andT7.

The sub-processes T1 and T5 are executed in different production sites,for example different buildings or at different locations.

For example, the sub-process T1 is executed in the building 10, which isshown in FIG. 1 , and thus the three sub-processes T2, T3 and T4 at thedifferent workstations 14 from FIG. 1 .

For example, the sub-process T2 is executed at the uppermostworkstations 14, the sub-process T3 at the middle workstations 14 andthe sub-process T4 at the lower workstations 14. For the sake ofclarity, the display of both parallel workstations 14 has been forgonein FIG. 4 . Therefore, there would have to be two workstations 14 foreach sub-process T2, T3 and T4 and thus two blocks in the diagram ofFIG. 3 .

User equipment 22 is assigned to each of these sub-processes T2, T3, T4,T6 and T7. This means that the user W is to execute this sub-processwith the user's corresponding user equipment 22.

As can be seen FIG. 1 , two workers W with a user equipment 22 each areassigned to the sub-process T2, three workers W with a user equipment 22each are assigned to the sub-process T3 and two workers W with a userequipment each are assigned to the sub-process T4.

The sub-processes T1 to T7 are stored in the device server 18 and havebeen configured, for example, by an administrator of the device server18, as what is termed a “process owner”.

For example, which process steps are to be executed and the sequence ofthe individual process steps is determined for each sub-process.

Moreover, the results that are expected in the individual process steps,for example a specific barcode that is read, can be determined and it ispossible to define which information, for example work instructions, isto be outputted to the user W before, during or after individual processsteps.

The data format, in which sensor data has been obtained by means of thesensor 28 and transmitted to process control 20, can also be determinedhere.

At least one processing step can also be determined here. Said one ormore processing steps contain instructions on how the sensor data is tobe processed by the user equipment 22 and/or is to be already changed(manipulated). For example, information or an instruction can be thatonly the last five digits are to be transmitted from a scanned ten-digitbarcode. The scanned barcode is then manipulated to the extent that onlythe last five digits are preserved.

Similarly, the functions of the user equipment 22 can be specified foreach sub-process or even each process step, said functions are to beactivated to execute this sub-process or the individual process step asthese are necessary in that moment.

Similarly, it can also be determined that further functions of the userequipment 22 are blocked at this time.

A sub-process can also be assigned to a location or a section of theprocess region (also termed “shopfloor”) in or at which the sub-processis executed.

It is also conceivable that specifications regarding the communicationare set for individual or for every sub-process. For example,specifications on which data transmission protocols and/or radiofrequency bands are permitted and prohibited for the communication ofthe connection device 26 with the base station 16, with other connectiondevices 26 or with the assigned sensor device 24 or the assigned sensorand/or information device 25.

The specification created in this way for each sub-processes result in aspecific, optimal configuration of the user equipment 22 that is toexecute this sub-process, i.e., that specific settings must be set onthe user equipment 22 to execute this sub-process and that specificinformation must be contained on the user equipment 22.

These optional settings and information form a configuration set for theassociated sub-process. The configuration set contains all informationand instructions required for the user equipment 22 to set the settings,i.e., in such a way to attain the optimal configuration that is assignedto the sub-process.

The setup of the sub-processes and thus the configurations andconfiguration sets is possible, for example, on the device server 18,e.g. through an administrator or any other user with relevant rights. Inparticular, it is not possible for the users W of the user equipment 22to change the configurations of the sub-processes.

A configuration set is created for each sub-process and each type ofuser equipment 22 that is to execute this sub-process.

The configuration sets for each sub-process, which are obtained in thisway, are stored on the device server 18.

As can be seen in FIG. 4 , different user equipment 22 is assigned todifferent sub-processes.

The method according to the disclosure shown in FIG. 5 as a flow diagramis used for the correct configuration of the user equipment 22.

Initially in step S 1, it is selected for each of the user equipment 22which sub-process T1 to T7 this user equipment 22 is to execute andwhich sub-process the user W of this user equipment 22 is to support. Inthe example shown in FIG. 1 , the sub-process thus determines whichworkstation 14 the user W is assigned to.

An option for selecting the sub-process is that the user W or a foremanpersonally selects the sub-process for each user equipment 22 in theprocess region, i.e., in the building 10, for example by inputting orselecting the sub-process via the input means 42. In the simplest case,this occurs on the main device if this is designed as a smart device.

The selection of the sub-process can occur on the sensor and/orinformation device 25, on the main device and/or on the secondarydevice.

It is also possible that an administrator selects on the device server18 which user equipment 22 is to execute which sub-process.

Alternatively, or additionally, the sub-process to be executed by theuser equipment 22 can also be selected by using the user equipment 22itself.

Here, the user W reads in certain information by means of the sensor 28of the user equipment 22, said information being able to then determinethe sub-process.

For example, the user W reads in a barcode, wherein this barcode hasbeen assigned previously to a sub-process.

For example, this information or barcode can be installed on a door to aparticular process region or at the start of a workstation 14.

It is however conceivable that the user W starts the sub-process to beexecuted using the user equipment 22, and the process control 20 or thedevice server 18 recognises which sub-process is currently beingexecuted based on the process steps executed by the user equipment 22(which in this case constitute the information). In this moment, thissub-process is regarded as selected.

Alternatively, or additionally, the use of the main device can alsoresult in a selection or change of a sub-process.

If the main device is designed as a smart device, the main deviceexecutes an application, usually however several applications. To thisend, a sub-process can be assigned to individual or each of theapplications.

It is determined during use, e.g., regularly by the main device itself,which application is currently being operated on the main device, inparticular which application is currently being executed in theforeground, which application is currently being shown, whichapplication was executed last and/or which application receives datacaptured by the secondary device.

That sub-process that is assigned to the application currently beingoperated is then regarded as selected.

If the application currently being operated changes, for example becausethe user calls up another application, then the sub-process of theapplication called up is regarded as selected and, if applicable, theapplied configuration is changed.

It is also conceivable that dedicated sub-processes are not onlyassigned to an application as a whole, but also to individual screens(i.e., screens, masks or screen views) within the same application.

In this case, not only the application currently being operated on themain device, but also the screen currently operated is determined. Thatsub-process that is assigned to the screen currently being operated isthen regarded as selected.

The currently location of the user equipment 22 can also be used asanother option for selecting the sub-process to be executed by the userequipment 22.

To this end, the user equipment 22 determines itself, for examplethrough a GPS module or suitable indoor positioning system, its ownposition and selects the sub-process that is linked to this position.

It is also conceivable that the user equipment 22 transmits its positionto the device server 18 that then selects the appropriate sub-process.

Similarly, it is possible that the device server 18 determines thecurrent location of the user equipment 22, for example by determiningthe base station 16 to which the user equipment 22 is connected and thenselecting the corresponding sub-process.

The current time can also be used for selecting the sub-process. Thetime can be determined by the user equipment 22 and/or the device server18.

Alternatively, or additionally, it can be provided that only specificusers W execute a specific sub-process, for example because onlyspecific users W have the necessary training or qualifications for thissub-process.

In this case, that user W is determined who is currently operating orwearing the user equipment 22. The sub-process to be executed by thisuser equipment 22 is then selected based on the information about theuser W.

The user W can be determined, for example, based on a useridentification. The user identification can be linked to a specific userequipment 22 or individual devices thereof. This is then the case, forexample, if the main device is permanently assigned to a specific userW.

It is also conceivable that the user W must identify themselves on theuser equipment 22 before using the user equipment 22, in particular onthe main device. As a result, the user W of the corresponding userequipment 22 is determined and thus the user identification.

In the next step S2, the configuration set that relates to the selectedsub-process T1-T7 is transmitted by the device server 18 to thecorresponding user equipment 22. The user equipment 22 thus receives theconfiguration set from the device server 18.

In the next step S3, the user equipment 22, in particular the secondarydevice, now applies the configuration contained in the configurationset.

The user equipment 22 thus sets all settings automatically as theconfiguration or the configuration set specifies.

The application of the configuration occurs here automatically, i.e.without the user W needing to approve the application or being able tootherwise prevent this. For example, as soon as a new configuration sethas been received from the device server 18, the configuration isapplied immediately.

Similarly, the user equipment 22 applies the process steps specified inthe configuration set, their sequence, the expected results of theprocess steps, the instructions to be outputted to the user on theprocess steps, the data format in which the sensor data is to beobtained and/or to be transmitted to the process control, and/or atleast one processing step that indicates how the obtained sensor data isto be processed and/or manipulated before transmission to the processcontrol 20.

Similarly, the functions of the user equipment 22 stored in theconfiguration set are automatically activated and, provided acorresponding instruction is contained in the configuration set, theremaining functions are deactivated.

In particular, the configuration set contains information on whichfunctions are to be deactivated.

The applied configuration is used immediately, i.e. that the userequipment 22 is configured in such a way as would be desired by theadministrator in the setup of the sub-processes on the device server 18or on the process control 20.

After being applied, the user equipment 22 blocks in step S4 changes tothe configurations that have been applied from the configuration set sothat the user W of the user equipment 22 cannot change these blockedconfigurations.

In particular, a change of the configurations is not possible on theuser equipment 22 directly.

It is conceivable that the entire configuration of the user equipment 22applied by the configuration set is blocked so that the user W cannotmake any changes to it.

Similarly, it is possible that the parts of the configuration that areto be blocked are determined in the configuration set itself. As aresult, the user W may be permitted to personally adjust uncriticalconfigurations, e.g., configurations related to ergonomics.

By blocking changes by the user W, it also guarantees for certain thatthe user equipment 22 is configured exactly in a way—at least withregard to the critical functions—as was intended in the design of thesub-processes.

It is also conceivable that the user equipment 22 has saved differentconfiguration sets so that a change of configuration is possible withoutcommunicating with the device server 18.

For example, if the user equipment 22 determines that it is now situatedin a location assigned to another sub-process as the currently loadedsub-process, it can apply the configuration for this new sub-processautomatically and independently from the device server 18.

Moreover, updates of sub-processes are easily possible via the methodaccording to the disclosure and it can be ensured that the sub-processesare executed immediately in the changed way.

For example, one of the sub-processes is changed in step A1 or aconfiguration of the sub-processes is changed, i.e., that the associatedconfiguration set is changed. This can occur on the device server 18 viaan administrator. The changed sub-process and the changed configurationset are then automatically rolled out to the user equipment 22.

The user equipment 22 currently assigned to a sub-process that has beenchanged or whose configuration set has been changed, now receive theupdated configuration set of the changed sub-process or the changed,updated configuration set (step A2).

Then, the steps S3 and S4 are executed, namely applying theconfiguration from the received, now updated configuration set and, ifapplicable, blocking some or all configurations with regard to changesby the user W.

To ensure that the user equipment 22 is always up-to-date, a check ofthe actuality of the configuration can be pre-planned to take place whena communication link between the user equipment 22 and the device server18 exists.

For example, it is checked according to a predefined system or atregular intervals. It is also conceivable that such a check takes placeas soon as the communication link between a user equipment 22 and thedevice server 18 has been established, for example after the userequipment 22 has been activated.

Predefined events can also trigger a check, such as the connection ofthe user equipment 22 or parts thereof to a power supply. This canoccur, for example, as a result of the sensor and/or information device26 being placed in a charging station.

If the check reveals that the updated sub-processes or the updatedconfiguration sets are available or that the user equipment 22 is to nowexecute another sub-process, as is described in step S2, thecorresponding configuration set is transmitted to the user equipment 22.Then, step S3 and, if applicable, step S4 are executed.

In addition to process reliability, it can be ensured by means of themethod that sensitive infrastructure is not disturbed by the use of theuser equipment.

In FIG. 1 , the building 10 comprises two regions. The sub-processes T2and T3 are executed in the first region and the sub-process T4 isexecuted in the second region that is the lower region in FIG. 1 .

The second region is separated from the first region by a wall and adoor and sensitive infrastructure 48 is located in the second region.

The sensitive infrastructure 48 can contain particularly sensitivetechnical devices.

It is also conceivable that the sensitive infrastructure 48 merelyconsists of providing now in the corresponding region specific, normallyfreely usable radio frequency bands for specific tasks. This is forexample the case when the control of machines via radio is not bedisturbed by other wirelessly communicating devices. The assignment ofdifferent radio frequency bands is determined in what is termed a radiofrequency plan.

In the situation shown in FIG. 1 , the user W1 has moved from the firstregion of the building 10 through the door into the second region of thebuilding 10. Thus, the location of the user equipment 22 has changed,what is detected for example by the device server 18.

The current location, i.e. the position in the lower region of thebuilding 10 is assigned to the sub-process T4 so that the sub-process T4is now selected for the user equipment of the user W1.

The user equipment 22 of the user W1 now receives the correspondingconfiguration set from the device server 18. It is determined in thisconfiguration set that the wireless communication of the user equipment22 with the base stations 16, but also the communication between themain device and secondary device must occur at one or more predefinedradio frequency bands. The use of the remaining radio frequency bands isprohibited. Which protocols are to be used can also be specified.

The user equipment 22 also now applies this configuration automaticallyand sends signals only at the permitted radio frequency bands and withthe permitted protocol from now on. In this way, the user equipment 22is prevented from disturbing the sensitive infrastructure 48.

1. A method for configuring a wearable user equipment for executingsub-processes, wherein the user equipment has a communication link witha device server, and different sub-processes and configuration sets forthe user equipment associated with the sub-processes are stored on thedevice server, and wherein the method comprises the following steps:selection of one of the sub-processes stored on the device server thatis to be executed by the user equipment, and automatic application of aconfiguration of the configuration set associated with the selectedsub-process on the wearable user equipment, wherein changes by the userat least to parts of the configuration of the user equipment applied bythe configuration set are blocked.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein at least one of: the parts of the configuration, whose change bythe user is to be blocked, are defined in the configuration set; or anentire configuration of the user equipment applied by the configurationset is blocked for changes by the user.
 3. The method according to claim1, wherein the user equipment comprises at least one of a garment, aglove, a sensor device or an information device that is attached to thegarment, wherein the at least one of the sensor device or theinformation device uses the configuration.
 4. The method according toclaim 3, wherein the at least one of the garment, the sensor device orthe information device comprise at least one input means, wherein atleast one function of at least one of the sensor device or theinformation device is triggered by actuating the input means when thesensor device or the information device, respectively, is received inthe garment.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the at leastone input means is a trigger.
 6. The method according to claim 1,wherein the user equipment comprises a main device and a secondarydevice, wherein the secondary device is at least one of a sensor deviceor an information device and the main device maintains the communicationlink to the device server, wherein at least one of the secondary deviceor the main device use the configuration.
 7. The method according toclaim 6, wherein at least one of the main device or the secondary deviceis a wearable smart device.
 8. The method according to claim 6, whereinat least one application is executed on the main device, wherein thatsaid at least one application is determined which is currently beingoperated on the main device, wherein the sub-process to be executed bythe user equipment is selected based on the application currently beingoperated.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sub-process tobe executed by the user equipment is selected by at least one of: inputor selection of the sub-process by the user on the user equipment; orinput or selection of the sub-process by an administrator on the deviceserver.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user equipmentcomprises a sensor and wherein the sub-process to be executed by theuser equipment is selected by reading information by means of the sensorand by determining the sub-process to be selected based on theinformation read.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein currentlocation of the user equipment is determined and the sub-process to beexecuted by the user equipment is selected based on the currentlocation.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the userequipment determines the sub-process to be executed by the userequipment based on the current location.
 13. The method according toclaim 11, wherein the sub-process selected based on the current locationis executed at least in part in a region comprising sensitiveinfrastructure, wherein the user equipment is set by applying theconfiguration of the configuration set associated with this sub-processin such a way that during use the user equipment avoids disturbing thesensitive infrastructure.
 14. The method according to claim 1, whereinat least one of a current time or user of the user equipment isdetermined and the sub-process to be executed by the user equipment isselected based on at least one of the current time or the user.
 15. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the configuration determines atleast one characteristic of the user equipment.
 16. The method accordingto claim 15, wherein the at least one characteristic of the userequipment is at least one of: at least one of permitted radio frequencybands, prohibited radio frequency bands, permitted protocols orprohibited protocols for communication with at least one of the deviceserver, with other user equipment or of parts of the user equipment witheach other; at least one of process steps for the sub-process, theirsequences, expected results of the process steps, instructions to beoutputted to the user on the process steps, a data format in whichsensor data is obtained, the data format in which the sensor data istransmitted to a process control, or at least one processing step thatindicates how the obtained sensor data is to be at least one ofprocessed or manipulated before transmission to the process control; orfunctions of the user equipment required for at least one of acorresponding process step or the sub-process.
 17. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein if at least one of the sub-processes or one of theconfiguration sets are changed on the device server by an administratorof the device server, the following steps are executed: the userequipment that is to execute the changed sub-process or sub-processwhose configuration set has been changed, respectively, receive anupdated configuration set of the changed sub-process or the changed,updated configuration set, respectively, and the configuration of theupdated configuration set is applied automatically by the userequipment.
 18. The method according to claim 1, wherein when thecommunication link with the device server exists, the user equipmentchecks at least one of according to a predefined system, at regularintervals, when establishing the communication link or in predefinedevents, whether at least one of an updated configuration set isavailable for a currently executed sub-process or whether the userequipment is to now execute another sub-process and, if applicable,receives from the device server an updated configuration set for thecurrently executed sub-process or the configuration set for thesub-process to be executed now by the user equipment, respectively. 19.A wearable user equipment that is configured to execute a methodcomprising the following steps: selection of one sub-process stored on adevice server that is to be executed by the user equipment, andautomatic application of the configuration of a configuration setassociated with the selected sub-process on the wearable user equipment,wherein changes by the user at least to parts of the configuration ofthe user equipment applied by the configuration set are blocked.
 20. Awork system comprising a wearable user equipment and a device server,wherein the work system is configured to execute a method comprising thefollowing steps: selection of one sub-process stored on the deviceserver that is to be executed by the user equipment, and automaticapplication of the configuration of a configuration set associated withthe selected sub-process on the wearable user equipment, wherein changesby the user at least to parts of the configuration of the user equipmentapplied by the configuration set are blocked.